Picc line help

Hi all, I’m due to have a picc line inserted ready for chemo and I have a wedding to go to mid August.. it’s just occurred to me that the dress I have is sleeveless and I’m going to have a large bandage on my arm for the wedding!! Are you able to have it removed and reinserted or do you have to keep it in place the whole time?? Also where exactly does it sit as I may get away with shorter sleeves if I have to, but I wouldn’t like a long sleeve during mid August at a time I’m already having hot flushes and wearing a wig feeling hot!! Any advice welcome :folded_hands:

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You can buy Picc line covers. There are loads on Etsy, usually made to order in a range of fabrics. I bought a nice leopard print one to go with an outfit I wore to a special occasion during chemo.

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Hi @loopylea i had a picc line inserted this week and its entry is about middle of upper arm. (Mid biceps) the dressing is clear so not too noticible. A not too short sleeve tshirt length would cover it, U can find picc line covers of all colours and designs online and this might sound silly but if you were really in a dilemma you can wear matching picc cover on the other arm if you find something to go with your dress. Not sure it would work with sleeveless dress tho. I cant imagine they would remove it and reinsert for n occasion. Best of luck with whatever you decide.:bouquet:

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PICC line pics. I wouldn’t think they would agree to taking it out and reinserting it because of the infection risk but you could always ask.

The picc pals covers shared above work really well. It might be tough coordinating the colours to match your outfit but if you reach out to them they might be able to.

For all its faults fashion wise, this PICC line has saved me hours during treatment and a lot less suffering than some that have a cannula. Ive seen so many people in pain and uncomfortable whilst the nurses try to find their veins. It might not look great but it does it’s job very well :heart:

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Aww this is fab info thank you.. can I ask how much it interferes with life?? Like sleeping and can you feel it when you move / stretch and can you still manage to do weights with it in??

Mine is only in since Thursday and with everything else going on i havnt noticed it much. Chemo side effects took from it I suppose. I was told no weight lifting, and no repetitive stretching up high with arm extended. I cant lie on that arm to sleep so i put a cushion to my side so i dont tend to roll over on it. My picc covers arrived today from Limbo with uk flags on them. Im Irish and in Ireland so il have to hide that part :rofl:. Compared to masectomy drains the picc is easier so far. Cant feel i when i move unless i reach up too high in a press

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Another option might be a lightweight wrap? I got my mother of the bride outfit from JJ’s House last year and they had a vast range of styles and colours https://www.jjshouse.com/uk/all/wraps

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Mine has been in for 6 rounds now so sleeping on my arm is ok although I try not to. I definitely don’t feel it during the day unless I accidentally knock it but it isnt painful.

Bathing and showering I’m used to using the arm band cover now. It annoyed me at first but like anything it just becomes normal.

I can lift my arm above my head, put jumpers on etc and grab things from shelves but am careful to not do any real stretching up. This did take a little while to get used to but I’m more than comfortable using my other arm for anything too high now

I can vacuum using my arm and driving is absolutely fine

Weight lifting I really don’t know about. I’m not sure id want to and ive avoided yoga. I just think its not a forever change so for me I dont want to push anything and risk it needing redoing. Plenty of time to make up for it once its out

Have a look at picc.me.co.uk. They have some really pretty ones. I wish I’d found this sooner.

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Hi there, I think you’ll need to keep it in for the duration but as others have said, there are so many different covers you can buy online. Etsy were good, and come in different lengths. I had mine for 5 months over last summer but fabrics are breathable. Have they prescribed a Limbo cover to go in the shower? I was advised no heavy weights but dumbbells ok as they want you to keep the arm active. yoga but not downward dogs or balancing on arm. Definitely no swimming or submerging in water. Good luck, it’s amazing how quickly you’ll get used to it!

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As others have said you can get picc line covers online. I think I got mine from amazon, make sure you follow the instructions for measuring. I got a few different designs to go with different outfits. You may be able to find someone to make a bespoke one to go with your outfit. For some reason some people thought I had got a tattoo :joy:

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Love the flag idea!! Thanks for tips x

I’ve been looking and decided on a Bardot one that’s quite low down the arm so should hide most of it and I can add in a safe colour pic cover if needed: thanks for all advice though

I will certainly have a look at picc covers online though as I will need them for others xx

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I kept a spare removal patch at home because mine peeled off after a few days too, and it stopped the area from looking messy or catching on clothes. The crinkle feeling you describe happened to me after a flush and settled once the nurse rechecked the line. If the dresI kept a spare removal patch at home because mine peeled off after a few days too, and it stopped the area from looking messy or catching on clothes. The crinkle feeling you describe happened to me after a flush and settled once the nurse rechecked the line. If the dressing still feels loose or the line looks odd, I’d get them to take another quick look for peace of mind.